• Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) were used to visualize layer-pseudospin skyrmion textures in twisted MoTe2, revealing insights into band topology.
• The study confirmed spatially-dependent layer polarization within the moiré unit cell, which supports theoretical models of topological flat bands.
• The research enables future local probe studies of intertwined correlated and topological states in gate-tunable devices based on twisted MoTe2.

Researchers employed scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) to probe the microscopic signatures of topology in twisted Molybdenum Ditelluride (MoTe2). This material, when twisted, exhibits unique electronic properties due to the formation of moiré patterns. The study focused on visualizing the layer-pseudospin skyrmion textures, which are spatial variations in the electron's layer polarization, to understand the material's band topology. The findings confirmed theoretical predictions and open avenues for future studies of topological states of matter in tunable devices.

• What: Visualization of layer-pseudospin skyrmion textures in twisted MoTe2 using STM/STS, revealing spatially dependent layer polarization within the moiré unit cell.
• Who: Researchers from the University of Washington, National Institute for Materials Science (Tsukuba, Japan), and other affiliated institutions.
• When: Research published on 01 May 2025; Received: 10 September 2024, Accepted: 14 March 2025
• Where: Experiments conducted at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

The study provides crucial experimental validation of the theoretical predictions regarding the band topology of twisted MoTe2. By visualizing the layer-pseudospin skyrmion textures, the researchers were able to directly observe the spatial distribution of electronic states within the moiré unit cell. This opens up new avenues for exploring and manipulating topological states of matter, particularly in gate-tunable devices. The ability to locally probe these states could lead to advancements in quantum computing and other advanced technologies.

This research successfully visualized the layer-pseudospin skyrmion textures in twisted MoTe2, confirming theoretical predictions of its band topology. The findings provide a foundation for future local probe studies aimed at understanding and manipulating the complex interplay of correlated and topological states in these materials. The ongoing research in this area promises to unlock new possibilities in quantum materials and device applications.